Thank you, Authors’ Lounge, for the opportunity to share my new release!

Forged In Love is my fourth book in my Nightwood Clan series, but my first MM romance book.

What is your book all about?
At one hundred and fifty years old, Ian finally had everything he wanted.

Becoming a vampire when he was eighteen, he viewed it as his chance to find his own fated mate, to explore the world, to live and see new things. He’s never regretted his choice, finding friends among paranormals and humans. When he finally meets his mate, he’s amazed that Fate brought him such a perfect fit. Berkley’s handsome, caring, creative. Everything Ian could have wanted in a partner. They settle into their life together, but when a fun outing takes a dangerous turn, will Ian and Berkley be able to save themselves, or will bigotry and hatred win?

What inspired you to write the book?
Forged In Love is the fourth book in my Nightwood Clan series. Each book highlights a different couple, although previous characters do make an appearance. They are all low angst, fated mates, contemporary paranormal romance with a thread of found family.

I really enjoy the idea of paranormals living amongst us, living their lives like the rest of us. They have jobs, they find love, they have hardships. This series is my take on paranormal species living normal lives like the rest of us. I love having all different types of personalities, interests, and species interacting. The world is made up of all kinds of people, and I want my books to reflect that. Somewhere in the series, I want there to be a character that everyone can relate to.

Ian was such a big character in my mind even when I was writing book one, that I knew he would have his own book. He is an extrovert with a big personality and a big heart. I knew he needed an introvert who was a little calmer and quieter to balance him out. I think Berkley does a great job of that. They both help each, which I think is what makes for a great partnership/marriage.

I knew right away he would be Scottish, and that he would make a trip back home. Part of my heritage is Scottish, and I always enjoyed going to the Scottish festivals when I was younger. When my sister was living abroad many, many years ago, I took a trip to see her. We spent a couple of days in Scotland. I absolutely loved it. It is a gorgeous country. I would love to go back there someday and share it with my husband and children.

What is your target audience for the book?
Anyone who loves paranormal romance books! So far, based on social media interactions and reviews, it seems like my reader base is mostly women. However, my husband acts as my alpha/beta reader for my books, so I welcome any and all readers over the age of 18 who enjoy romance books with fated mates, insta-love, and paranormal themes. (The age restriction is due to the steamy/intimate scenes, which do have some detail.).

What do you hope readers could get out from your book?
I want my readers to be able to escape the everyday pressures of life, to be able to read and relax for a little bit. My goal and hope for each book in the series is for it to be a lighter read, something someone can read in a day or a weekend.

The world is a crazy place and I love to escape into a book to unwind. Books have always been my happy place. Since books with a happily-ever-after type of ending make me the happiest, my stories will always end with a HEA, even if the road is a little bumpy getting there.

What are your future goals/plans for the book?
I hope that Ian and Berkley’s story is a hit with my readers. They will make future appearances in other books, and maybe even some newsletter stories! I have a few ideas for them that will pop up in upcoming books.

And something more about yourself.
I am an author, a wife, a mother to two wonderful kids and one dog, and a photographer. I enjoy taking nature photos, even though my allergies would say otherwise. I love baking, collecting fun pens, and rubber ducks. I am also an avid using Oxford comma user.

You can find all of my social media and Amazon links here: https://linktr.ee/harperdakota. I am on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, Goodreads, BookBub, and YouTube.